Michigan in the News

The Washington Post cited the research of Steven Skerlos, associate professor of mechanical engineering and civil and environmental engineering, and Kate Whitefoot, graduate student in mechanical engineering, which found a loophole in the new U.S. fuel-economy standards making larger vehicles more profitable for automakers to produce.

Sheldon Danziger, Henry J. Meyer Distinguished University Professor of Public Policy, research professor for the Population Studies Center and director of the National Poverty Center, spoke with The Associated Press about poverty in the U.S., saying, "If Congress and the states make further cuts, we can expect the number of poor and low-income families to rise for the next several years."

Andrew Hoffman, Holcim (US) Professor of Sustainable Enterprise and director of the Erb Institute for Global Sustainable Enterprise, was interviewed by The Atlantic regarding his research of "the relationship between business and environmental issues."

In this video, John O'Shea, professor of anthropology, discusses the significance of finding an 8,900-year-old piece of wood — tapered and beveled on one side in a way that looks deliberate — in an area of Lake Huron where a ridge of land once connected northern Michigan with central Ontario. Click here to read more about the artifact and what it could tell researchers about the possibility that prehistoric people may have lived in that area.

An Open Letter to President ObamaU-M President Mary Sue Coleman has written an open letter to President Barack Obama calling for elected officials, university presidents, business leaders, philanthropists and parents to collaborate on making higher education affordable for all. "The cost of attending college is one of the most serious matters facing a country that seeks to strengthen its global competitiveness," she writes.

Regents approve $3.3 million renovation for Trauma Burn CenterImproved patient room lighting, a dedicated physical therapy and occupational therapy room and a more healing atmosphere for patients are the main features of a $3.3 million renovation to the University Hospital’s Trauma Burn Center approved Thursday by the Board of Regents.
• In other business, the regents approved the Michigan Investment in New Technology Startups initiative, a schematic design for renovations in the Law Quad, authorized bids for an addition to the G.G. Brown building, and were updated on U-M's capital outlay submission to the state.

Planning grants to advance livable communities, sustainable transportationAs part of its Integrated Assessment Program, the Graham Institute for Environmental Sustainability is announcing five planning grants that will determine the feasibility of conducting a comprehensive assessment of key interventions that promote livable communities and sustainable transportation.

Meals on bike wheels service wins business model competitionA healthy meal delivery service targeted to students in between classes won first place in a new U-M business model competition. The idea submitted by Emily Potter and Jessica Lai won the top $2,500 prize in the Michigan Business Model Competition this week, and will represent U-M at the competition's international level in February.

Free tobacco treatment programs get under way in JanuaryThe MHealthy Tobacco Consultation Service is offering two free, seven-week tobacco treatment groups in January. Participants can learn about preparing to quit, how quitting affects their body, tobacco treatment medications, setting a quit date and relapse prevention.

Record Update to go on hiatus over holiday breakThis is the last regular, email issue of the Record Update for 2011. Major items of interest to faculty and staff may be posted to the Record Update website. The morning email version will return Jan. 4. Click here for a list of other holiday-related closings and special hours.

The Michigan Difference

From Milan to Marquette
With the largest graduate medical education program in the state, U-M graduates are spread across Michigan, occupying cities both large and small. The current edition of Medicine at Michigan profiles four such physicians, Dr. Nathan Taylor, a hand-and-wrist surgeon in Marquette; Dr. Carla Zahuranec, a family doctor in Milan; Dr. Desiree Seeyave, who practices pediatric emergency medicine in Flint; and Dr. Richard Ohye, part of the next generation of U-M medical educators helping to train residents and medical students.